User:Carplus/sandbox

Carplus Trust is a not-for-profit, environmental transport charity that promotes accessible, affordable and low-carbon alternatives to traditional car use in the UK.

History
Carplus Trust was established in 2000 to support the development of car clubs (referred to as car-sharing outside of the United Kingdom) and ride-sharing schemes in Britain, in response to growing environmental concerns around private car use.

Over the past decade, Carplus has played an active role in the introduction and growth of the car club sector in the UK. From a handful of community-led car clubs there are now over 150,000 members in England alone. These members have access to over 2000 vehicles in over 50 locations across England, Wales and Scotland.

Previous activities
Carplus Trust has played a core role in the design and implementation of Transport for London’s Car Club Strategy (2008); setting up the car club sector accreditation, data collection and research programme; founding the now independent and successful community interest company, Co-wheels car club; delivering the ‘Breathing fresh air into local communities’ project with Yorkshire Forward; establishing the Developing Car Clubs in Scotland programme on behalf of Transport Scotland.

Structure and Funding
Carplus has a dual structure, comprising a trust, which is a registered charity,[ref] and a limited company.

Car Club Accreditation
The car club accreditation scheme was set up for the benefit of public bodies, and it was designed with their input. The aim is to provide a tool for organisations that helps to assess car club operators when deciding who should be invited to submit proposals, supported or chosen for a contract.